SUNDAY READINGS

Isaiah 61:1-9
Psalm 139:1-9
Romans 12:1-8
John 14:15-21

April 25, 2008

From the Rector's Desk

I want to use my few hundred words today to encourage you as strongly as I can to take advantage of Bishop John Rucyahana’s presence with us this weekend. If you are trying to pick a weekend to go away for a break, this wouldn’t be the one, from my point of view. Bishop John will be with us for both the Rwanda Benefit and the Sunday morning worship, and we’re very privileged to have his focused attention and ministry.

My association with Bishop John began a number of years ago when I worked for the Anglican Mission as Director of Communications. He was the liaison between the AMiA leadership council, of which I was part, and the Anglican Province of Rwanda. I came to know him as a godly man of integrity, courage and joy. He was also fond of saying, in response to opportunities that God seemed to be providing, “Just do it”. The Anglican Mission owes its existence, in part, to the bold action he took as the first African bishop to offer covering to a US parish, with St. Andrews in Little Rock. He is a man of action, and God has blessed the vision that Bishop John has followed for four decades. I have been privileged to be with him on a number of occasions in several parts of the world, including the time he and I were both excluded from a meeting at Lambeth Palace in London (the home and office of the Archbishop of Canterbury). While we walked the streets near the Thames River, I considered myself in good company.

My desire is that you will also know this godly leader, as I know many of you already do. He began his connection to Church of the Redeemer, through Fr. William Beasley, before the Anglican Mission was formed, and the church has been faithfully connected to important work in the Bishop’s diocese in Rwanda. The benefit has provided a significant portion of Sonrise School’s operating funds and we are now entering into a close relationship with St. Michael’s, the church that serves the school and surrounding community. Soon Bishop John will retire, and although I’m sure he will continue to travel to the US, his role will shift.

My simple point is this: this will be a great weekend of worship and commitment, both at the banquet and on Sunday morning. Many people are aware of what happened in Rwanda in 1994, and may be interested in hearing personally from one of the people who has led a process of healing, not just in the church but in the country, itself. Invite friends to come with you this week. Yes, it will be a confirmation service, but we’ll explain that fully, and Bishop John will be preaching.

Please pray for him as he arrives, for his strength and health, and for what God wants to do in our midst through this Apostle this weekend. To read more about Bishop John and his ministry, click here.

I look forward to seeing you Saturday night at the Benefit, and Sunday morning in worship. May God bless his plans for that time.

Grace and peace,
Jay+



The Rev. Jay L. Greener, Rector
Church of the Redeemer
frjay@redeemernorthshore.org


Wednesday Service

Father Jay will be in Atlanta Monday through Wednesday for Anglican Mission leadership meetings. Please pray as a number of AMiA pastors and lay leaders will gather. Because of his travel, the Wednesday noon service will be a midday prayer service, with no Eucharist.


Milestones

We are planning a special worship services to honor the dedication and God-given giftedness of our graduates. On May 11 we will give thanks for those in our congregation graduating from high school, college, seminary, graduate school, etc.

In order for us not to miss anyone, please contact us with the names of graduates that have a Redeemer connection. Even if they will be unable to attend, we want them to be included. Please email Julia at the church office with any names of graduates!


Redeemer Kids

Redeemer Kids welcomes Leah Esther Burns born Monday morning, April 21. Congratulations Bethany, Andrew, and Miriam. We celebrate with you and pray for God's blessing on your family!


Redeemer Youth Ministries

Thank you for your prayers over the last couple of weeks while we were on retreat! Last week, at Wisconsin Dells, there were seven of us who combined our efforts with Church of the Resurrection. Everything went fabulous. I was especially proud of our students who participated in remembering their "baptismal vows." Please continue to pray as we get ready for the summer!



Prayer Notes. . .

  • for the Mission and Vision and Outreach of Church of the Redeemer
  • for our Rector, Fr. Jay, and his family
  • for Bishop Rucyahana and Harriet
  • for our staff and their families
  • for those God is calling us to reach
  • for our Vestry, on retreat next Friday and Saturday
  • for the Sonrise School benefit on Saturday
  • for those being confirmed this Sunday
  • for those in need in body, mind and spirit